With an early lead in the Honorary Mayor of Eastsound race, the Afghan Hound appears to be winning favor with voters though a mixture of local appeal and a broad-base following on Facebook. Supporters in the Lewis camp, however, are drawing attention to campaign irregularities in the Hounditarian’s official filing. Due to what she explains as “a simple clerical error” at registration, Khaleesi was originally registered as “”Khalessi,” which may cause legal issues down the line. And now Lewis is demanding the Japanese-born Khali define her foreign policy stance. “Voters deserve to know,” barked Lewis at a recent meeting.

On the surface, the two candidates could not be more different from each other, which explains their appeal to varied voters. Underdog Lewis is seen as the candidate who wants his cake (and can eat it too) and Khali is the beautiful candidate backed by a highly promising performer who endlessly sings her candidate’s praises. Throughout the race, the two are expected to run neck and neck — but Khali to win by a nose.

The mayoral race is an annual fundraiser sponsored by and benefiting Children’s House. Voting is open to both islanders and visitors, who “buy” candidates into office by placing as many votes as they want at area polling locations, the Farmer’s Market or online via oich.org. Each vote benefits the toddler and preschool children of Children’s House. The race concludes 2 PM, July 2nd.

Vote, follow the election and download the Voter’s Guide via oich.org. Additional details on the candidates can be found at orcasislandmayor.wordpress.com.

Here’s an overview of two of the five candidates on the campaign trail.

Candidate: Khaleesi (Afghan Hound)

Sponsor: Windermere Real Estate

Owner/Manager: Chantelle and Stormy Hildreth

Campaign Slogan: “Queen Khaleesi, making Orcas Island as beautiful as me!”

Top Issues: Developing pet-friendly policies and animal rescue. She additionally wants to improve access to businesses for dogs and owners.

Dog Scoop: Sick and just hours from dying, “Khali” was rescued from the streets of Okinawa, Japan by a group of people from Doggies, Inc. She eventually landed on Orcas where she lives with her furever family. The Hounditarian supports animal rescue and the little known “Children Reading to Dogs” program.

Unique Qualities: Intense interest in small, medium and large prey-like creatures, which “I explore with a very long and gorgeous nose.”

Follow her on Facebook: tinyurl.com/khaleesi4mayor

Candidate: Lewis (Corgle)

Sponsor: Vacation Doorways

Manager: Stacey Dow

Campaign Slogan: Lewis for All Creatures Great and Small

Top Issues: Dog park expansion and fresh water bowls (and treats) at all Eastsound businesses.

Orcas Scoop: Born in Washington, the 12-year-old once lived in Alaska but eventually found his way back home to the state he loves and adopted his manager and her furry menagerie. Lewis loves everybody and everything – most importantly birthday cakes. He believes in “Equal treats for everyone!”

Unique Qualities: Lewis is short on legs but big on personality.

Follow him on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/Lewis4Mayor